Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language

It’s rewarding to be bilingual!

English-speaking Canadians enrolled in the first year of a college or university program have an opportunity to receive a $3,000 bursary to perfect their bilingualism while studying in a field of interest.

This new, yearly program was established by the Government of Canada. Its aim is to encourage young English-speaking students to pursue their postsecondary studies in French. The objective is simple: Allow a greater number of English-speaking Canadians to become bilingual.

850 non-renewable bursaries

each worth $3,000, will be awarded yearly from 2020 to 2023.

This video provides an overview of the Program.

A 2018 study conducted by the Conference Board of Canada on behalf of the ACUFC reveals that bilingualism leads to better employment opportunities and to attractive salaries. In a competitive job market, the economic advantages of mastering English and French are clear, as explained in this video.

Being bilingual presents many advantages, but certainly one of the most rewarding is to expand one’s openness to the Francophonie and understanding of Francophone culture. This video provides a taste of the cultural richness of studying in French.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To receive a bursary for postsecondary studies in French as a second language, one must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;

Have English as the first official language spoken;

Study full time in a Canadian institution during the current year;

Have completed their secondary school studies in an English-language institution and graduated from this institution;

Have reached the postsecondary level of education;

Be enrolled in the first year of a postsecondary study program in French;

Be at least 17 years old on the first day of class;

Demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge of French to be able to study in that language. A transcript, attesting to having taken courses in French at the secondary school or college or university level in Canada for a minimum of two years, will be required;

Intend to pursue full-time studies in a college or undergraduate university program in Canada, to take at least 50% of their courses and participate in related activities (placements and training activities in the community) in French.

Note: Special consideration will be given to students facing financial challenges and those who come from under-represented groups.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Interested students must submit an application directly to the colleges, universities and university faculties participating in the FSL Bursary Program.

These institutions will be in charge of assessing student applications and awarding bursaries.

Partnership Program

Certification in Common Law in French (CCLF)

The Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language Program exists thanks to the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023 (APOL) – Investing in Our Future. The federal government made a commitment to promoting a bilingual Canada, in particular by supporting English-speaking Canadians in learning French.

The ACUFC was assigned the responsibility for implementing this Program by the Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH).